JANUARY 2025 - TOURISM NEWS & NOTES | |
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Tourism Day returns to Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis. Attendees are encouraged to attend morning delegation meetings, make door-to-door visits, or set up appointments from 9:00 am –11:00 am with their local legislators. Bags and talking points for legislators will be available at the Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Visitor Center from 8:30 am to 10:30 am. At 11:00 am, join the Maryland Tourism Coalition at Rams Head On Stage (concert venue side) for Tourism Day programming and working lunch. At 1:00pm, we will head to Lawyers Mall for our Annual Tourism Day group photo. More information for registration, sponsorship, agenda and hotel booking room can be found on the Tourism Day Landing page https://mdtourism.org/tourism-day/
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A significant transformation is sweeping through the travel industry as women increasingly choose to explore the world on their own terms. Recent data from Future Partners reveals that by 2025, four in ten female travelers plan to venture out solo, representing an 8-percent uptick from the previous year’s figures. The surge in solo female travel transcends age demographics, with a notable rise among older women seeking adventure and independence. Natural Habitat Adventures’ women-focused nature expeditions, launched in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund, exemplify this trend.
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Technology is coming at us at a fast and furious pace.
The United States Customs and Border Protection Service is adding over 200 airports to the list of the over 200 it already uses for its facial recognition programs. That includes nearly 50 airports with international departures.... The Transportation Security Administration is right behind and says it has now deployed second-generation Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) scanners at more than 84 airports across the country.
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The US Congress is considering a series of bipartisan bills designed to address several pressing issues within the hotel industry, ranging from fee transparency to workforce shortages and human trafficking prevention.
As the 118th Congress nears its conclusion on January 3, 2025, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) has called on lawmakers to advance legislation aimed at creating a more transparent and fairer environment for both consumers and the industry.
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Top Hotel Trends in 2025
The travel and hospitality industry is at a fascinating crossroads of hospitality trends in 2025. Looking ahead to 2025, many factors are reshaping the industry landscape. Among them is the convergence of economic dynamics, technological innovations, and changing traveler expectations.
Despite economic challenges, the desire to travel remains remarkably resilient. Today’s travelers don’t just book trips; they seek personalized, transformative experiences. And all of this using technology without losing the essential human connection.
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The hospitality industry is at a crossroads as it enters 2025 and encounters the perfect storm. All aspects of external pressures - labour shortages and business taxes along with rising costs of goods and staffing are creating pressures and challenges that are out of hoteliers’ control. From discussions with our customers, we are seeing the same repeated themes; inefficiencies, lack of data capture and attaining profitability.
Advancements in technology in the coming year will be transformative for the industry with developments of integrated connected systems, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). People and technology together will help the industry overcome the challenges ahead.
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Imagination Takes Flight (February 22, 2025- May 17, 2025)
We’re now accepting submissions for our upcoming art exhibit. Imagination Takes Flight, invites artists to explore and express the limitless power of imagination. Whether it’s distorted perspectives, soaring landscapes, or abstract visions, we encourage artists to push the boundaries of their creative wings. Let your creativity soar! Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this inspiring showcase!
Deadline for submissions: January 31, 2025
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Explore a variety of STEM and aviation-themed sciences with a short lesson and activity. Ideal for learners ages 8-12. THIS MONTH: To celebrate Black History Month, join us as we celebrate John Greene and his quest to make flying accessible to all Americans! As the founder of the first African American Civil Air Patrol squadron in the area, Greene worked with a local Black aviator group called Cloud Club to open their own airfield right here in Prince George’s County. Now it’s your turn to follow in their footsteps: design a clubhouse for your own flying group, as well as a plane to fly there!
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The M-NCPPC Black History Program returns to Montpelier Arts Center with its annual exhibition in honor of Black History Month. For more than 40 years, the Black History Program has worked to preserve, honor, and celebrate Prince George's County's rich African American heritage. Come out and explore stories from our county's past that highlight the challenges and triumphs of the African American community.
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America 250 has launched the second round of “America’s Field Trip,” a nationwide contest for grades 3-12! Students can submit artwork or essays that answers the question, “What does America mean to you?” Earlier this year, thousands of students from across the U.S. participated in the inaugural America’s Field Trip contest. The contest runs until April 16, 2025, and much like the previous round, winners will be able to enjoy behind-the-scenes experiences at sites like the Statue of Liberty! Plus, educators can win a $1,000 cash award for the top entry in each grade band! To learn more about the contest and find additional resources, visit: america250.org/FieldTrip
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Welcome to **Beats and Eats Saturdays with Latin Vibes by DJ Aldo Andres** at miXt Food Hall near Brentwood, Hyattsville, and Mount Rainier, Maryland! Get ready to groove every forth Saturday of the month. Join us for a fun-filled evening of great live music, friendly folks, delicious food from any of our four vendors (including vegan options), and delectable cocktails and mocktails from our bar. Not to mention our brand new $5 rail shots special from 6-10 PM. Aldo Andres is a Bolivian DJ that loves mixing all kinds of Latin music, ranging from bachata to cumbia to dembow.
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The meteoric rise of Atsuko Okatsuka serves as proof that she is one of the few stand-up comedians who can cross over from online viral sensation to big stage showstopper. From her quick-witted breakout 2019 comedy set taped during an earthquake; to her award-winning 2022 debut HBO special The Intruder, directed by Tig Notaro; to a recent front-cover joint interview with her inspiration Margaret Cho in The New York Times Magazine, Okatsuka and her signature bowl-cut hairdo are inescapably, delightfully everywhere. Now Okatsuka brings her sharp and sweetly naive humor to The Clarice. Get ready for an intimate evening of outrageous jokes and incisive storytelling from this undeniable superstar-in-the-making!
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Kick off Black History Month with Howard University’s premiere jazz ensemble, Afro Blue. Voted “Best A Capella Group” five years in a row by the Washington Area Music Associaion, the ensemble has been featured on NPR’s All Things Considered, Tiny Desk Concert, and has shared the stage with the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) Pops, and reached the top four on The Sing-Off on NBC. Join us for a special celebration for Black History Month as this virtuosic ensemble showcases black excellence in a one of kind, intimate concert experience at SAARC!
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Tanger National Harbor invites you to join our inaugural Lunar New Year Celebration on Friday, February 7th, at 5PM in the fireplace courtyard by Nike. Experience the vibrant tradition of the Lunar New Year with an exhilarating lion dance performance by the Wong People Association, weaving through the center to bring this celebration to life. The event will also include educational elements to honor and share the rich culture and traditions of this festive occasion. As a special treat, all TangerClub members will receive red envelopes filled with exclusive store offers, while Gold & Platinum members will enjoy additional Tanger and store swag.
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For over 15 years running, Akua Allrich has curated and performed a soul-stirring tribute presentation, honoring Nina Simone and Miriam Makeba. Akua Allrich pays homage to these two powerhouse artists, who have inspired her and millions of other jazz and music lovers around the globe. Allrich, whose own musical genesis comprises the blues, jazz, R&B, and pan-African music, features songs that Nina Simone and Miriam Makeba made their own. Join us in a musical experience based in freedom and self-expression, and particularly African expression.
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Beautiful, simply does not describe the incomparable force known to the world as Patti LaBelle. Through the years, the songbird’s name has become synonymous with grace, style, and class. Her effortless ability to belt out classic rhythm and blues renditions, pop standards and spiritual sonnets has created the unique platform of versatility that the artist is known and revered for. For more than 60 years, Patti’s resplendent voice has left an indelible mark all over the world. This Philadelphia born entertainer captured her first hit in 1962, as lead singer of The Bluebelles and went on to receive worldwide acclaim with the trailblazing and genre bending trio, Labelle.
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Don’t miss this sophisticated-yet-ridiculous, family-friendly, clown circus from Happenstance Theater! A quintet of charming vintage clowns become circus animals, transform into a human calliope, do the classic circus mirror routine with a twist, perform a several preposterous “entrées”, make live music and sound effects, and execute a very satisfying slow-motion number involving a pie! This show is recommended for children ages 3-12. Please note everyone must have a ticket to enter, regardless of age.
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Come join us at Bowie State University during MLK weekend (January 18,- January 20) for a tournament filled with excitement, competition, and fun. This elite basketball tournament event is a must-attend for all sports enthusiasts and fans. Get ready to witness some of the best high school athletes in action and experience the thrill of live sports like never before. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to be a part of The 2025 Dream Classic at Bowie State University. Mark your calendars and get ready for a day you won't forget!
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Get ready for an intense and high-energy clash as the 2024-2025 UMD Wrestling team faces off against Rutgers! The Terps are bringing their strength, strategy, and relentless determination to the mat, prepared to take on the challenge that Rutgers brings. With both teams hungry for victory, expect fierce competition, exciting matchups, and moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat. UMD is ready to show that they’re a force to be reckoned with, and they’re coming for the win! Let’s pack the stands and cheer on the Terps as they battle their way to victory!
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Here’s your chance to tell the Maryland Department of Transportation and State Highway Administration (MDOT/SHA) where you see dangerous conditions. Mark the map! Add your comments to the map by January 31 to be part of making a difference and getting action for your community.
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Applications for the next Neighborhood Planning Academy are now open! Prince George's County residents will learn about urban planning and actively shape the future of the County. Classes will be held on Wednesdays and span over seven weeks, starting on March 19, 2025 through April 30, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The first six sessions will be conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams, providing a flexible and accessible learning experience. The final session will be an in-person graduation, featuring capstone project presentations that highlight your newly acquired skills and planning knowledge. To apply, please visit academy.pgplanning.com. The application deadline is January 31, 2025
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The large bridge at Bladensburg Waterfront Park will close for renovations next month. The bridge, which extends from Monroe Street on the western side of the Anacostia River, will be closed for resurfacing from Jan. 6 to Feb. 7. During that time pedestrians and bikers cross the river from Bladensburg to Colmar Manor by taking a detour along Annapolis Road by the Peace Cross. The bridge was originally built by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission in 2005.
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